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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma starts in the lungs and is called pleural msothelioma. Less common cases start in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal msothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos might develop mesothelioma when asbestos fibers enter the lungs or stomach and cause irritation. It can take up to 50 years or longer for symptoms to manifest. Signs and symptoms The mesothelioma-like cancerous cells are found in the tissue of the stomach and lungs, as well as other organs. Mesothelioma patients may suffer symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain and fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms differ based on the type and stage of the disease. They depend on the location where the tumor is situated and the speed at which it grows. Because mesothelioma can be so uncommon, doctors may be unable to identify it. The disease may have a long latency and the symptoms may look or feel similar to less serious conditions such as pneumonia. It is essential that asbestos exposure sufferers make an appointment with their doctor whenever they notice symptoms that are unusual or persistent. It is also important to let their doctor know of any prior exposure to asbestos. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. As the mesothelioma expands and the lungs are inflamed, these symptoms could worsen. In severe cases, they may lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall which causes patients to feel pain in their chest when breathing. In addition to mesothelioma, patients may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing. Some individuals may experience reduced appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms too. The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect the kidneys, which causes them to decrease their capacity to function properly. A doctor can request scans of the body or blood tests to look for any abnormalities, based on the type of mesothelioma. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests can assist doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers by ruling out other illnesses. Chest X-rays are helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. The lungs and chest cavity may appear discolored or cloudy due the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor can perform a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of asbestos cancer that forms on the lining of organs, such as the abdomen and lungs is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos. It is a rare form of cancer, however asbestos exposure puts people at risk. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases and conditions and it is therefore important to obtain a diagnosis from your doctor. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a clinic or hospital and could include an X ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays create a picture of the structures inside your body including your abdomen and chest. They may reveal a clog between the chest wall, lungs and a fluid known as pleural effusion. They may also reveal the presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest or a different area. MRI and CT scans provide more precise images of your organs than Xrays and help doctors determine the location and size of mesothelioma. The scans can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma spreads to other parts of your body. A biopsy is another important diagnostic instrument. In this procedure, a small amount tissue or fluid is removed and examined for cancerous cells growth. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies are a fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy could be recommended if results from other tests aren't conclusive, or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma indicate it is located in your lungs or chest cavity. The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma of the pericardial and peritoneal regions include the placement of a tube that contains a video camera in the abdomen or chest. A surgeon could use this to collect the tissue sample or the fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure), a type of keyhole surgery. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to assess how well your organs work. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check your lymph nodes and heart as well as other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also inquire about your history with asbestos exposure, as well as any prior illnesses or treatments you have had. Treatment The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a variety of factors, such as how quickly the tumor grows and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to show and whether or not the cancer has metastasized. People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. One can be exposed to asbestos working directly with the substance or indirectly through other work or pastimes. Exposure can last for years, and even decades, before mesothelioma-related symptoms appear. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat-resistant. The material can be broken into dust particles during the mining process, or when workers remove asbestos-containing insulation. The dust particles can be inhaled or consumed. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring, as well as mesothelioma-like changes in the cells. There are a variety of procedures that can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can take a sample of pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest for a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which can reveal the abdomen and chest where tumors or masses can be found. Once an diagnosis has been established doctors can treat it to reduce the pain and other symptoms. Some patients receive a combination of treatments like chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors also incorporate the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment as part of the mesothelioma treatment plan. If a patient experiences an accumulation of fluid around their lungs, doctors can treat it by removing the excess via tubes placed inside the chest (pleurodesis). In some cases a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases the risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine whether testing for the patient is necessary. After mesothelioma treatment, a doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments let the doctor monitor the patient's health and look for indications of the possibility of recurrence. Prognosis Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were often used in the construction of homes. When people swallow or inhale these fibres, they could get stuck in the lining of organs such as the stomach cavity or lungs. Over time, these fibres can cause irritation and result in tumours. The symptoms typically don't show until years after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma in later life. The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it is in. Most cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types could be found within the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. When doctors are able to confirm confirmed the diagnosis, they can use a range of tests to show how far the cancer has spread and determine which treatment is most suitable for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples, or a biopsy. X-rays and other tests may show if the tumour is located in one area or has spread to other areas of the body. plymouth asbestos lawyer can determine whether it's epithelioid or mesothelioma pleural. Both types can develop and spread more rapidly in later stages of the disease, especially if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. In some instances doctors are able to remove the mesothelioma entirely. This could improve the outlook of patients. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma is too advanced to be removed surgically. Patients will need to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives. Certain patient characteristics can impact the rate of survival for mesothelioma, according to research. Patients with mesothelioma in their family, or are younger and in good health generally have a better chance of survival. Other factors include whether or not a person smokes or uses tobacco, as well as the number of other health problems they have.